If you’re relocating for work or considering a move to our nation's capital, you need to know the best suburbs of DC. We'll guide you through the top areas in the DC metro area for those looking to put down roots near this historic capital city.

Summary:

• Best Suburbs in DC for New Construction Homes
• Which DC Suburb Is Right for You?
• New Construction Homes in DC
• DC Suburbs Conclusion

Best Suburbs in DC for New Construction Homes

Washington, DC, is an exciting place to live and work. If you love the buzz of the DC lifestyle but also crave more space, modern homes, and an escape from the hubbub of the city at the end of the day, a house in the suburbs may be a perfect fit. Let's explore the best suburbs of Washington, DC.

Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia, is a quintessential historic East Coast town across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Established in 1749, this city boasts cobblestone streets and well-preserved 18th-century architecture, particularly in its renowned Old Town district.

With a population of approximately 155K as of 2022, per the U.S. Census Bureau®, Alexandria is home to a relatively diverse demographic and a mix of industries, including government, technology, tourism, and health care. Federal agencies like the Patent and Trademark Office coexist alongside several tech startups throughout Alexandria.

Housing in Alexandria includes historic homes, townhouses, condominiums, and new construction developments. As of March 2024, the housing market is considered very competitive, according to Redfin®. However, real estate prices in Alexandria can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and property type, with some of the highest prices found in Old Town and waterfront areas. 

As for education, Alexandria has over 200 schools, including public, private, and preschool options. Nearby DC universities, such as The George Washington University and Georgetown University, offer commuter-friendly higher education for residents who prefer to stay in the suburbs. Speaking of commuting, DC and its surrounding suburbs offer plenty of ways to get around, whether by car, public transit, or alternate modes of transportation.

Alexandria also has abundant parks, marinas, museums, and theaters. Waterfront activities along the Potomac River include boating, kayaking, and dining at waterfront restaurants, perfect for a fun day out. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Scottish Walk Parade, the Alexandria Film Festival, and the George Washington Birthday Celebration, not to mention its proximity to DC and all the capital city offers.

Bethesda

Bethesda, a part of Montgomery County, Maryland, is approximately seven miles northwest of Washington, DC, bordered by the Chevy Chase, Potomac, North Bethesda, and Kensington neighborhoods. Data USA reports that while Bethesda’s population is smaller than other suburban cities like Alexandria and Arlington, approximately 66K as of 2021, the city is known for its affluence, with a median household income of $178K.

Bethesda is home to major employers in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, including healthcare, biotechnology, and government-related companies. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center are just two prominent institutions in Bethesda. You’ll also find the corporate headquarters of Marriott® International and Lockheed Martin® here.

Each of Bethesda’s neighborhoods has its own character and must-see spots. Bethesda Row is the community's commercial and entertainment hub, featuring high-end shops, restaurants, and hotels. The city also features popular attractions such as the Music Center at Strathmore and the Capital Crescent Trail.

The housing market in Bethesda offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums, with prices ranging from moderate to high-end. The community's desirable location, quality schools, and numerous amenities contribute to its appeal, often resulting in properties at premium prices. In fact, the median sale price for homes is $1.2M, according to Realtor.com® as of February 2024.

Served by the Montgomery County Public Schools system, Bethesda includes highly ranked public schools at all educational levels, according to GreatSchools.org in 2024. The community also has over 70 private schools. 

Like Alexandria, Bethesda offers convenient access to several transportation options, including Washington Metro's Red Line, which runs through the community with stops at the Bethesda and Medical Center Stations. Major highways, such as Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495), connect commuters to the broader Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

Gaithersburg

Approximately 20 miles northwest of Washington, DC, is Gaithersburg, a suburb of Montgomery County. Covering about 11 square miles and bordered by Germantown to the north and Rockville to the south, Gaithersburg’s population is just under 69K as of 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The city is known for its diversity, and Data USA finds that as of 2021, it has a relatively young population, with a median age of 37, just below the national average.

Gaithersburg has over 30 neighborhoods, including Lakelands and Kentlands. Their neo-traditional designs promote greater accessibility for pedestrians and bikes. The housing market as of March 2024 is considered very competitive in Gaithersburg, reports Redfin, with a Realtor.com median sale price of $580K in February 2024.

Major employers in Gaithersburg include companies in the biotechnology, healthcare, and telecommunications sectors, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For education, there are a number of quality schools within the Montgomery County Public Schools District.

Commuters enjoy easy access to Washington Metro's Red Line at the Shady Grove Station for work in downtown Washington, DC. Gaithersburg also offers a network of bike lanes, trails, and public transit options operated by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.

The city hosts numerous community events and festivals year-round, such as the Gaithersburg Book Festival and the Celebrate Gaithersburg Festival. Other popular attractions include the Gaithersburg Community Museum, which showcases the city's history, and the Kentlands Mansion, a historic venue for events and performances.

Arlington

Arlington is located in Northern Virginia and bordered by the Potomac River to the east, Fairfax County to the west, and the cities of Alexandria and National Harbor to the south. The county covers an area of approximately 26 square miles, divided into urban, suburban, and rural areas. As of July 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau finds Arlington has a population of approximately 234K residents.

The federal government is a prominent employer near Arlington, with agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Pentagon in the county. Numerous technology companies, startups, consulting firms, major universities, and research institutions are in the area, too.

Arlington's somewhat competitive housing market, per Redfin as of February 2024, offers several options, from luxury condominiums in urban areas to single-family homes in suburban neighborhoods, and the median home sold price was $636K in February 2024, according to Realtor.com.

Rosslyn is the city’s urban center, with its high-rise office buildings, luxury condominiums, and upscale hotels. The Clarendon and Ballston neighborhoods are known for abundant nightlife, dining, and shopping options, and easy access to public transportation.

The Arlington Public Schools District includes highly rated elementary, middle, and high schools, per GreatSchools.org as of 2024.  The area is home to over 120 schools, including 80 private facilities. Higher education institutions in Arlington include George Mason University's Arlington campus and satellite campuses of Marymount Universityand Virginia Tech.

Arlington is a bike-friendly community, with bike lanes, trails, and bike-sharing programs available to residents and visitors. The area is known for having a variety of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, such as the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River and the scenic Theodore Roosevelt Island. For fun things to do around town, popular attractions include the Arlington Arts Center, Signature Theatre, and the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse. Arlington also has numerous festivals and events during the year, such as the Arlington County Fair, Columbia Pike Blues Festival, and Rosslyn Jazz Fest.

Rockville

Rockville, MD, is about 20 miles northwest of Washington, DC, bordered by Gaithersburg to the north and Bethesda and the Potomac River to the south. Rockville has a rich history dating back to colonial times, with several historic sites and landmarks preserved throughout the city, with notable attractions including the Beall-Dawson House, Glenview Mansion, and the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine.

As of 2022, Rockville had a population of just under 67K people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and it’s home to multiple employers in a range of industries, including technology, health care, retail, and hospitality. The city's business-friendly environment and strategic location make it an attractive destination for companies, startups, and entrepreneurs.

In March 2024, the Rockville real estate market was competitive, with homes typically selling in just under a month, according to Redfin, and many properties receiving multiple offers, often with waived contingencies.

Rockville boasts several quality educational institutions, including Montgomery College's Rockville campus and the Universities at Shady Grove. It also has several highly regarded public schools, per GreatSchools.org as of 2024, and over 90 private school options.

Like much of the DC metro area, Rockville makes public transportation and commuting convenient. The city offers access to major highways, such as Interstate 270 and the Intercounty Connector (MD-200), and the Rockville Metro station, along the Red Line, gets commuters to Washington, DC, and the surrounding areas.

Outdoor spots take the cake when it comes to having fun in Rockville. The city's extensive park system includes Rock Creek Regional Park, Cabin John Regional Park, and the Rockville Civic Center Park. The city's annual events, such as the Hometown Holidays Music Fest and the Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show, are big draws for residents and visitors from all over DC.

Which DC Suburb Is Right for You?

Whether you're seeking a welcoming community, want to soak up city life, or have picked your side of the Potomac and are searching for the best of Maryland or Virginia, these are our top picks of the best places to live in DC suburbs.

Best DC Suburbs for Families and Individuals

If you're looking for more space, luxurious surroundings, and a community vibe without breaking the bank, these suburbs could be the ideal match for you:

• Bethesda: With great neighborhoods and tons of recreational amenities, Bethesda has some of the best DC suburbs. Browse our new construction homes in Potomac, near Bethesda.

   

• Rockville: A rich history, quality schools, great parks, and plenty of events and attractions make this suburb a lovely place to call home. Explore our new construction homes in Rockville.

   

• Gaithersburg: Diversity, annual festivals and events, and accessibility throughout its neighborhoods make this area a standout.

   

• Chevy Chase: Known for its leafy streets, top-rated schools, and close-knit community feel, Chevy Chase is a top choice for households of any size.

Best DC Suburbs for Singles and Young Professionals

When finding a great bar or restaurant for the weekend is just as important as a convenient commute during the week, settling down in a suburb near the city is the way to go. Here are some of the best DC suburbs for those who enjoy a big-city lifestyle:

• Alexandria: Historic charm, waterfront views, and a busy dining and entertainment scene are a big part of this area’s appeal.

   

• Arlington: Enjoy an urban lifestyle, thriving nightlife, and convenient access to transportation.

   

• National Harbor: An upscale waterfront setting, trendy dining spots, and plenty of entertainment options make National Harbor an exciting place to be after hours. Check out our new construction homes in National Harbor.

Best DC Suburbs in Maryland

Coveted real estate and welcoming neighborhoods put these Maryland suburbs at the top of our list. These are some of the best suburbs in Maryland:

• Bethesda: You’ll find quality schools, lovely neighborhoods, and beautiful homes in this community-oriented spot. Browse our new construction homes in Potomac, near Bethesda.

   

• Rockville: This is an excellent area for outdoorsy folks and history buffs. Explore our new construction homes in Rockville.

   

• Gaithersburg: An idyllic home for those who crave the perks of the suburbs and a bit more space away from the city.

   

• Chevy Chase: This beloved suburb is popular with those who prefer a slower pace of living.

Best DC Suburbs in Virginia

Experience close proximity to major employers, a city-like feel, and convenient access to the capital city in these popular Virginia suburbs, which are some of the best places to live outside of DC:

• Arlington: A hip urban feel, quality schools, and unbeatable proximity to Washington, DC, are just a few of the fantastic features that draw people to Arlington.

   

• Alexandria: Experience a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience in Alexandria, with easy access to the nation’s capital.

   

• Ashburn: Enjoy quality schools, friendly neighborhoods, and a thriving tech corridor in Ashburn. Browse our new construction homes in Ashburn.

   

• Fairfax: In Fairfax, you’ll find affluent neighborhoods, quality schools, and a high standard of living. Explore our new construction homes in Fairfax.

New Construction Homes in DC

Discover the best suburbs around DC to buy a new construction house and make your dream home a reality. These suburbs may just be the next place you call home in Washington, DC:

• The Flats at National Harbor: This new construction condo community offers easy access to major highways, convenient shopping, and attractions like MGM® National Harbor.

   

• Villas at Maple Lawn (a 55+ active adult community): Residents can enjoy a host of amenities, including a clubhouse with a fitness center, library, and community room, as well as outdoor features like a pickleball court, patio with gas grills, and pergola seating area.

   

• Watershed: A plethora of amenities are available to residents here, including an outdoor pool, bike park, and scenic trails, while the Refuge clubhouse offers a yoga room, workout space, and coworking lounge. Nearby, you’ll find shopping options like Target®, Kohl's®, and Total Wine® and attractions like Dinosaur Park®.

   

• Farmstead District: Visit Upper Rock Circle for several restaurants and retail stores, including Cava®, CVS®, and Mom's Organic Market®. Onsite amenities at the Farmstead District's clubhouse include a modern fitness center, seasonal pool, fire pit, and multiple seating areas, perfect for year-round entertaining.

   

• Creekside at Cabin Branch (single-family homes): With a 10-acre neighborhood park, access to bike lanes, and over 312 acres dedicated to the Ten Mile Creek Conservation Park, residents can spend time in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities, such as a clubhouse, outdoor pool, and multi-purpose court.

   

• Creekside at Cabin Branch (townhomes): Residents can enjoy abundant outdoor amenities, including nature trails, pocket parks, and an outdoor pool with a tanning ledge. It’s also conveniently located near Clarksburg Premium Outlets and Clarksburg Village Center.

   

• The Flats at Northside: Experience upscale living in 143 new one-level condo residences near Park Potomac. Enjoy a lock-and-go lifestyle with easy access to upscale shopping and dining options.

DC Suburbs Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the best suburbs of DC. Whether you’ve got your eye on a cozy community along the Potomac or one of the gorgeous suburbs of Maryland or Virginia, Pulte® has a home for you.

Explore new construction homes in DC today or browse more Pulte blogs.

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 7/17/24